Cyclists stage 'die-in' at Vauxhall bridge over road safety

Cyclists gathered in London for protest over junction where riders and pedestrians have been killed in recent years

John Stuttle, 20/12/2013

Cyclists at the Vauxhall Bridge die-in organised by Stop Killing Cyclists. Photograph: John Stuttle for the Guardian

On Thursday morning around 60 cyclists gathered at the
northbound turning onto Vauxhall Bridge in London and began to lay their
bicycles in an orderly line along the pavement. A new cyclists' die-in
was underway.

A
number of cyclists and pedestrians have been killed or seriously
injured at or on roads leading to this junction in recent years.
Pedalling from the west you can use a segregated cycle path. At this
corner, however, cyclists are forced to turn back into the road just at
the point where it becomes most dangerous.

Activists have
complained that, since the publicity about cyclist deaths back in
November police officers engaged in the Met's "Operation Safeway" have
been pouncing on errant cyclists who choose to take the safer route on
the pavement this corner, serving them up with fixed penalty notices.

A piper plays a lament at the die-in at Vauxhall Bridge. Photograph: John Stuttle for the Guardian

"The introduction of the fixed penalty is not aimed at responsible
cyclists who sometimes feel obliged to use the pavement out of fear of
the traffic, and who show consideration to other pavement users."Chief
police officers, who are responsible for enforcement, acknowledge that
many cyclists, particularly children and young people, are afraid to
cycle on the road, sensitivity and careful use of police discretion is
required."

The campaign feels the junction is a good example of
how poorly designed infrastructure creates hazards for cyclists and
other road users. It also wishes to highlight how the recent police
activity seems to be in contradiction to this ministerial guidance.

As
the protesters organised themselves a singer, accompanied by classical
guitar, performed for passers by. This was followed by poignant laments
played by two bagpipers. The assembled cyclists listened to some words
from two of the organisers, Donnachadh McCarthy and Steve Routley and
then proceeded to lay down on the pavement and cover themselves with
sheets for the die-in.

Cyclists lie down on the pavement at Vauxhall Bridge to protest about road safety. Photograph: John Stuttle for the Guardian

Finally, Alison Higgs, another activist from the group, accused Boris
Johnson of prioritising profit above cyclist and pedestrian safety. She
also criticised Andrew Gilligan for dismissing the earlier protest of
over 1,000 cyclists and speaking of a dialog with the deaf rather than
dealing with the issue of funding.

Since the protest the campaign
has announced that it has a meeting scheduled with Leon Daniels,
managing director of Transport for London, on 21 January to discuss its
list of 15 demands. Boris Johnson's cycling commissioner, Andrew
Gilligan, will also be in attendance. We await developments with
interest.